It’s one of the...
It’s one of the busiest design studios of any car maker, but Audi’s style centre has been working on yet another new model.
A specially equipped...
A specially equipped VW Phaeton has proved technology can automatically spot potential hazards lurking at a busy crossroads and help the driver avoid collisions there. The electronics could be available as soon as 2009.
Laser radars in the front light clusters and a windscreen video camera capture masses of detail about the road up to 80 metres ahead. Computers in the boot then analyse the data, identifying lane markings, traffic lights, road signs, vehicles and pedestrians.
"On test, the system spotted all the dangers," said a spokesman. Dash lights and audible alerts warn of any risk, and the computer also works out the rights of way so it can tell if the driver is about to make a hazardous manoeuvre.
It will soon predict approaching traffic lights so the driver arrives on a green signal. BMW and Peugeot are also involved in the EU-backed project, with prototypes due next year.